WEEDS 



177 



taproot makes it hard to conquer. The plant is supposed 

 to be identical with the cultivated carrot, but in the wild 

 state it is reputed to 

 be poisonous. 



Sorrel (Rumex aceto- 

 selld). This plant, com- 

 monly known as sour 

 grass or horse sorrel, 

 is a perennial weed 

 with numerous creep- 

 ing subterranean stems 

 and thrives in sterile 

 soil. Early in summer 



it turns its haunts a 



FIG. 126. Wild carrot on a neglected lawn 

 rusty red by a multi- 

 tude of small flowers. It is supposed to be an indicator of 

 acid soils and may be controlled by the application of lime. 



Photograph from American Steel and Wire Co. 



FIG. 127. A field overrun by wild carrot 



Other weeds. Among less noxious though ever-present weeds 

 may be mentioned shepherd' s-purse (Capsella), pepper-grass 



